Meeting a U.S. Senator in a Small Town in Indiana (Photos)

By a practitioner in Indiana, USA

(Clearwisdom.net) Carmel is a growing town located north of Indianapolis, Indiana. On the morning of February 8, 2003, Carmel Clay Chamber of Commerce held their monthly breakfast reception at the Ritz Charles Center. At this reception, a U.S. senator, Mr. Richard Lugar from Indiana was invited to attend the reception. Mr. Lugar also chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. A western practitioner and I decided to attend this breakfast reception and hoped to have the opportunity to give Dafa truth-clarifying materials to Senator Lugar.

The banquet hall was filled with more than 100 people from both business and political circles. During his 45-minute speech, Senator Lugar discussed the United States' persistent stand and attitude towards terrorism. At the same time, he emphasized the important role of the United States in opposing terrorism and safeguarding the world's peace. I looked around, seeing so many kind faces, and I could not help thinking, "They should also learn the truth! But how do we let them know about Falun Gong and the facts of the persecution?" Suddenly, I got an idea, why don't I ask questions to the Senator to let the audience have an opportunity to learn about the truth? Then I started sending forth righteous thoughts in my heart and I firmly believed that Master would definitely give me the chance.

After the speech, the host announced that there would be 10 minutes for the audience to ask questions. I raised my hand first. I stood up and looked at Senator Lugar, my heart filled with calmness and a sense of purpose. I knew that more than 100 pair of eyes in the banquet hall were looking at me. I ask, "Honorable Mr. Senator, thank you very much for your wonderful speech. I was wondering if you could comment on the current human right situation in China, especially the Chinese government's nearly four-year persecution against Falun Gong. Thank you!" As if to let the audience to hear it clearer, the Senator asked me to repeat my question. I thus walked over and loudly asked my question again. When I went back my seat, the audience looked at me with approval. During his five-minute answer, Senator Lugar reaffirmed his concern for the worsening human rights record of the Chinese government. In the end, he especially talked about the Chinese government's persecution of Falun Gong and religious groups.

When the reception concluded, one after another, people took group photos with Senator Lugar. Taking this good opportunity, the western practitioner and I also approached the Senator. On behalf of Indiana Falun Gong practitioners, I expressed our gratitude to Senator Lugar for his continual support and help, and our hope that he would continue to make efforts to improve China's human rights. Then, the western fellow practitioner briefly introduced how US citizen Charles Li was wrongfully arrested when he went back China to visit his family simply because he practices Falun Gong. He sincerely asked Senator Lugar to help rescue Charles Li. Senator Lugar said that he understood very well about the persecution of Falun Gong in China, and the arrest of Mr. Li already drew his attention. He believed that the U.S. government would utilize all legal means to free Charles Li as soon as possible. Senator Lugar also gladly accepted the truth-clarification materials that we had prepared for him.

Chinese version available at http://minghui.ca/mh/articles/2003/2/12/44424.html

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